GEELONG’S case for the $10 billion Land 400 military contract received a “very positive hearing” from Defence Minister David Johnston, mayor Darryn Lyons said this afternoon.
“I received great feedback from my meetings and was able to hear about their expectations which will help us plan going forward,” Cr Lyons said after meeting Senator Johnston, Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert and Bob Baldwin, parliamentary secretary to the minister for industry.
“I had a very positive hearing which put Geelong high on the agenda and I will continue to work closely with both ministers.”
The Land400 Sentinel contract is a $10 billion design-and-manufacturing program with funding from the Australian Government’s Defence Capability Plan.
It is the world’s largest armoured vehicle project and Geelong – with its auto sector infrastructure, composite materials research base and ready workforce — is well placed to be the manufacturing hub for the combat vehicle.
With Ford, Shell and Alcoa industries all poised to close, the Land 400 project is being pursued vigorously by City Hall.
Cr Lyons said he made it “very clear” to the ministers that Geelong was the best place for the military vehicle contract.
“Our city needs this now,” he said. “We are in a rebuilding stage in Geelong and this is the future for our great city.”
“It is very promising that Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert will tour Geelong next month and he told me that he is looking forward to having further talks at City Hall.”
Cr Lyons met also with parliamentary secretary to the minister for industry Bob Baldwin.
“I met with Bob Baldwin and discussed the transition of our city, from the manufacturing industry to new leading technologies,” said Cr Lyons.
“We are prepared to take on this new industry, are capable and have the best location.”
“I want to build and service the Australian Defence Force’s new military vehicle and create jobs for the future.”
— NOEL MURPHY
